[Community Television] A new framework for Public Service Broadcasting

[Dave Rushton]

Dear ACTO and CMA,

Response time is only four weeks for Phase 2 of 'Ofcom's review of 
public service television broadcasting'. There is a great deal in this 
document relevant to the small-scale TV sector - not least the pressure 
to look for alternative digital platforms. Assume it to be unlikely 
that digital terrestrial transmission will roll out further - therefore 
isolating all communities on relays from localised broadcasting. These 
communities might possibly be pushed to a Freeview Satellite or other 
(Sky?) service with a one off set top box purchase as well as to 
broadband. Ofcom don't spell this out - but terrestrial digital access 
will be tricky for areas reliant on relays not currently digitally 
configured. Particular problems for Scotland and Wales are highlighted 
here.

In contrast of especial interest is the separate document titled 
'reshaping television for the UK's nations, regions and localities'. 
Note the last word .... 'localities' hooray! Here the evidence is 
presented of very strong public demand in support of small-scale 
television (particularly for news (you might remember, there was a BBC 
Scotland report on this this time last year) but Ofcom are still 
havering over the means to deliver (and note what is happening with 
digital terrestrial). Also a clear tie in between 'local TV' and 'PSB' 
is suggested.

But in spite (or because) of this strong demand - out of thin air - 
there is a new initiative to support a Public Service Publisher 
proposed to secure £300m of new tax/licence funds. So the squaring of 
new money with public demand for small-scale TV has still to be made - 
and made well and frequently enough to Ofcom over the next four weeks 
for them to put serious work put in place on delivery platform(s) for 
small-scale services.

Do get a copy of the Phase 2 Review - both parts.

Dave Rushton
Institute of Local Television

On Thursday, September 30, 2004, at 10:51 AM, Michelle McGuire wrote:

> + Community Television +
>
> Ofcom News Release 30|09|04
>
> A new framework for Public Service Broadcasting
>
> Ofcom today published the second phase of its statutory review of 
> public service broadcasting, setting out key proposals to maintain and 
> strengthen public service television in the digital age.
>
> Section 264 of the Communications Act 2003 requires Ofcom to report on 
> the effectiveness of the existing public service broadcasters – BBC , 
> ITV, Channel 4, S4C, Five and Teletext – in the delivery of their 
> public service broadcasting obligations; and to make recommendations 
> for the continuation of public service broadcasting in the years > ahead.
>
> The Phase 2 Report highlights that the existing analogue model of 
> public service broadcasting, which has been sustained for many years 
> by a combination of institutions, funding and regulation, will not 
> survive the transition to digital and may erode rapidly prior to 2012. 
> Ofcom is therefore proposing a new settlement be put in place in order 
> to secure competition for quality before the old model has completely 
> eroded.
>
> The framework has seven proposals:
> 	1.  	 The increasing importance of a strong, independent, 
> fully-funded and public service focused BBC ; funded through a 
> licence-fee model.
> 	2.  	 Channel 4, as a critical second provider of public service 
> broadcasting, to remain as a primarily not-for-profit free-to-air 
> broadcaster, free to form alliances, joint ventures and partnerships 
> with other organisations, with the possibility of asset transfer as a 
> route to create scale and public service impact.
> 	3.  	 ITV1 to play to its strengths in public service broadcasting, 
> contributing through high-quality, UK-originated production, 
> investment in news, regional news and current affairs, with a proposed 
> initial reduction in, then phased withdrawal of, regional non-news 
> obligations. Ofcom also proposes using the greater flexibility 
> afforded by the Communications Act in assessing the delivery of ITV1’s 
> obligations such as arts, children’s and religious programming.
> 	4.  	 A new approach to programming for the Nations and Regions, with 
> regional production on ITV1 and a rebalancing of some non-news 
> regional responsibilities to the BBC.
> 	5.  	 Channel Five committed to UK-originated programming and acting 
> as a market-led public service broadcaster.
> 	6.  	 A strong independent production sector based on the successful 
> implementation of the new Codes of Practice introduced by Ofcom 
> earlier this year. However, if the programme supply market is not 
> working more efficiently 12 months from now, Ofcom will take further 
> action.
> 	7.  	A new concept to stimulate innovation and plurality: a 
> competition to run a new Public Service Publisher (PSP) using new 
> technologies and distribution systems to meet audience needs in the 
> digital age. A winning bid could come from any current broadcaster, 
> any media company (except the BBC), an independent producer, 
> infrastructure operator - or a consortium of such companies.
>
> The proposals are subject to public consultation; the closing date for 
> responses is 24 November 2004. The Review will be completed once the 
> final Phase 3 report is published at the end of the year. Ofcom’s PSB 
> Review will inform the Government’s own review of the BBC Charter as 
> well as its decisions on the timing of digital switchover.
>
> Ofcom Chief Executive Stephen Carter said: “The historical compact 
> between broadcaster, audience, Government and regulator will not 
> survive the move to digital.”
>
>  He added: “Our seven proposals, taken together, aim to keep the 
> strongest of the traditional whilst adding the spur of the new. We 
> look forward to hearing people’s views.”
>
>  The Executive Summary of the Report is available online at:
>
>  <http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/current/psb2/execsum/>
>
> Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/4qpzj
>
> The full Phase 2 Report is available online at:
>
> <http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/current/psb2/?a=87101>
>
> Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/4c642
>
> To download (in pdf format) at:
>
>  <http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/current/psb2/psb_phase2.pdf>
>
> Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/58cx3
>
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